Marine Scientists Return With Rare Creatures From the Deep

(Click to enlarge image) This is one of three putative new species of Enteropneust from the North Atlantic Ocean. (Credit: David Shale)

The Mid Atlantic Ridge Ecosystems (MAR-ECO) project of the Census of Marine Life recently returned from an expedition focused on the cold waters north of the Gulf Stream and the warmer waters to the south.

During more than 300 hours of diving, using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Isis, researchers surveyed flat plains, cliff faces and slopes of the giant mountain range that divides the Atlantic Ocean into two halves, east and west. The ROV was equipped with an HD camera, allowing for the survey of over 50,000 meters of ocean floor in HD video.

Scientists believe the cruise will yield at least 10 new species currently undescribed and will lead to better understanding of the evolutionary processes that have shaped the deep-sea. To view photos of species from the expedition and read the full press release, visit the MAR-ECO website. (http://www.mar-eco.no/mareco_news/2009/new_ecomar_discoveries)